1G4 
ARMADILlW). 
of the same substance with those Which cover tThd 
back. The skin, even in the parts that kre 
softest, seems to have a tendency to ossify ; but 
a complete ossification takes place drily on those 
parts Which have the least friction, and are the 
most exposed to the Weather. The shell, which 
covers the upper part of the body, differs front 
that of the tortoise, in being composed of more 
pieces than one, which lie in bands over the body, 
and, as in the tail of the lobster, slide over each 
other, and are connected by a yellow membrane 
in the same manner. By this means the animal 
has a motion in its back, and the armoiir gives 
way to its necessary inflections. These hands are 
of various numbers and size's, and from them these 
animals hate been distinguished into various kinds. 
These shells are differently coloured in different 
kinds, but most usually they are of a dirty grey. 
This colour, in all, arises from another peculiar 
circumstance in their conformation, for the shell 
itself is covered with a softish skin, which 
smooth and transparent. 
But, although these shells might easily defend 
this animal from a feeble enemy, yet they could make 
but a slight resistance against a more powerful an 
tagonist. Nature, therefore,* has gi ven the arma- 
dillo the same method of protecting itself with 
the hedge-hog or themanis. The instant it per- 
ceives itself attacked, it withdraws the head under 
its shells, and lets nothing be seen but the tip of 
the nose ; if the danger increase, the animal’s pre- 
cautions increase in proportion ; it then tucks Up 
its feet under its belly, unites its two extremities 
together, while the tail seems as a band to strength- 
en the connection ; and it thus becomes like a 
ball, a little flattish on each side* In this posi- 
tion it continues obstinately fixed, while the danger 
is near, and often long after it is over. In this 
